Rusting

[Texas Joe]

I have had my Solitude for 4 months. Last weekend I noticed the bumper, beams and box for the steps are beginning to rust. The key locks and thumb locks on the storage compartments are starting to corrode as well as most of the screws. What can I do to remove the rust and corrosion and prevent further rust and corrosion?

[Jahna]

I have not noticed rust on our locks but they were terrible to try and use you really had to struggle with them. We used plain old Vaseline on the key and shoved it into the locks. They turn like a breeze now and won't rust nor will they freeze. We use Vaseline in all door locks and the pin connection to the trucks about twice or three times a year.

[ACDW-Ottawa]

I applied Rustoleum Rubberized undercoating (black) (spray can $4 & 1qt can $20 at Home Depot) to all of the exposed metal (and bolt heads), side I-Beam, rear bumper, inside the rear bumper (as much as possible), exterior metal tubes encasing the levelling struts, metal box holding the stairs, and even to the metal walls inside the propane compartments. I also sprayed inside my front compartment after I caulked the gaps in there because that compartment was not water proof. I also used a matt black paint where applicable. I use both products as need for touch ups. You can use the "rust conversion" stuff if you think that necessary. I only had some surface rust so I just applied the undercoating. Before using the undercoating, I washed and wiped down the surfaces (where possible)

I used "RustCheck" to protect the trail air suspension between the tires as its a lighter product. Rustcheck is a Canadian product and don't know if its available in the USA www.rustcheck.com).

I used Boeshield-T9 ($20-$25 a can) on locks and other areas that needed it. I even apply Boeshield everywhere on my bicycle with a rag and its good for 3 months (I missed one screw it rusted so I know it works to prevent corrosion from salty environments near the ocean or where they use road salt.

For thumb locks and metal strike plats (entry door and slam door latches), I applied several coats of clear lacquer before installing the new ones that Grand Design sent to replace the ones that rusted prematurely in less than 3 months.

I heard that Quick-Glo is good to remove rust from chrome and protect from further corrosion so I will be buying that to check it out on my trailer wheels and truck bumper.

Hope that helps.

[Renee]

Thanks Aaron! that does help.

[Mr Lucky]

Great Ideas!

[Texas Joe]

Thank you for the great ideas. I guess I need to do some shopping this weekend.

[pauliwalnutz]

My 293res was built in Nov/13. I purchased it June 2014. My frame and all latches were very rusty and corroded. Looks like the dealer drove it through some pretty salty roads and didn't bother to clean it up afterwards. The dealer said they would paint the frame and polish the latches before I picked it up but of course that never got done. I removed the wheels, wire brushed the rust, painted the frame with rust paint and applied plenty of Rust Check Coat & Protect. I also polished all of the latches. Took over 2 full days days of my time. Upon removing the wheels to do the work I found that the rims were also corroded. The rim manufacturer is sending new rims. Some pics of the rust
https://plus.google.com/photos/10494...Pfy1ePw8a6vsgE
Beyond the rust I also have an issue with some bubbles under the linoleum causing the slide to rub through. I have a bad entry door assembly and some damage to my pantry door. The black tank doesn't shut tight so I get a nice rush of brown water when I remove the cap. My water heater didn't work on electric (found it unplugged inside the cabinet).

[thompsons 369rl]

Wow. That looks awful. Did it look like that when you took delivery? I don't get why the dealership would let something like that leave the lot. No way I would have accepted delivery of anything close to that condition.

[ACDW-Ottawa]

My trailer's frame was rusting the same way just from basic use. I drove from Ontario, Canada to Florida in December after picking it up on November 11, 2013 so it wasn't in much snow and yet the frame, strike plates, and screws were rusting. Also screws above the windows and on the rear ladder were corroding. I am hoping that GD received better screws and metals so the new replacements will be ok.

[ACDW-Ottawa]

I wonder what unit #s have experienced rust and corrosion like we have. Is it just the earlier trailer's like mine? Mine is # 1067.